Characterization of the Clostridium perfringens hazard in the cattle, pig, and poultry sectors in slaughterhouses
Résumé
Introduction: Clostridium perfringens is a spore-forming, anaerobic, and ubiquitous pathogen responsible for gastroinstestinal diseases in humans and animals. C. perfringens strains are classified into seven types (A–G) based on the combination of toxins that are produced. Types A and F are responsible for C. perfringens foodborne outbreaks in France, and the foods most often implicated are meat-based ready meals. Despite very few available studies, the contamination of meat is highly suspected in the slaughtering process through contamination with the intestinal or fecal content of slaughtered animals. Purpose: With the purpose of assessing the C. perfringens hazard, the ClostAbat project (ANR2021-CE21-0007) aims to provide information on the frequency, diversity, and pathogenic potential of C. perfringens strains isolated from slaughterhouses in France. Methods: Strains were isolated from 8–12 sampling campaigns in 3 sectors: pig, cattle, and poultry. For each sampling campaign, up to 5 isolates per sample were collected and 58–74 samples were performed from various sources, including animals (feces, carcasses, and meat cuts), the environment (work surfaces and operator tools), and the air of slaughterhouses and cutting plants. The strains' genetic diversity was assessed by PCR-M13 molecular typing, and their toxinotype was determined by PCR targeting the 17 genes encoding toxins and virulence factors. Results: A total of 1687 isolates were characterized from 428 positive samples. The contamination frequency in the pig, cattle, and poultry sectors was as follows: 25.3±11.8%, 22.3±10.1%, and 27.5±9.7% respectively. M13-PCR typing results showed the highest diversity in the pig sector and the lowest in the poultry sector. Regarding toxinotyping results, 100% type A isolates were found in the pig (n=186) and cattle (n=106) sectors. Concerning the poultry sector, isolates were identified as 14.6% type G (n=19) and 85.4% type A (n=105). Significance: This study confirmed the presence of C. perfringens at different steps of the slaughtering process and provided information on potential cross-contamination happening in slaughterhouses.
